Dark Seduction

Chapter 4-1

Chapter Four

It was unwise to confront Chernikov without the proper protections, but Marlys was unreachable and Dorian couldn’t locate a backup witch on such short notice. Cole thought he should wait it out, but every minute that passed was another in which Duchanes could recover his strength and stage another gruesome attack.

Dorian had no idea what the vampire was planning—only that it likely ended with the Redthornes in a pile of smoldering ash, the city’s supernatural factions suffering under the reign of a vicious moron, and Duchanes vampires running roughshod over the entire human population.

As for Charlotte…

Dorian sighed. He could only imagine what would become of the woman if Duchanes got his way. She’d survived not only the attack by his sirelings at Ravenswood, but Duchanes’ own ambush last night.

With those near misses on the books, there was no way Duchanes would let her slip away unscathed a third time. Without Dorian to protect her, she’d likely end up…

No. He refused to entertain the thoughts. Charlotte D’Amico was no longer his responsibility. She was merely a regrettable distraction—an indulgence he could no longer afford.

“This the place?” Cole asked, slowing his ancient pickup truck in front of the turnoff for Luna del Mar.

Dorian nodded and directed him to a spot at the back of the parking lot, out of sight from the main road.

The sun was just peeking up over the horizon, struggling to break through a thick blanket of clouds. The day hadn’t even begun, but Dorian could already tell it was going to be wet and gray.

He should’ve welcomed the relief from the sun’s incessant assault on his eyes, but this morning, the damp, chilly weather only darkened his mood.

Cole killed the engine and retrieved a pack of cigarettes from his shirt pocket, peering through the windshield at the café’s back entrance. “I don’t like dealin’ with demons, Red. Smokey little fuckers always leave a bad taste in my mouth.”

“I’m surprised you can taste anything at all, what with that unfortunate tobacco habit.” Dorian popped open the glovebox and retrieved Cole’s lighter. “Anyway, you don’t have to deal with them—not today. Wait for me here. If I’m not out in thirty—”

“What, no dogs allowed? I put on my best flannel.”

“Yes, and don’t think I don’t appreciate the effort.” Dorian wrenched open the door and slid out from the cab, gesturing for Cole to stay put.

When it’d become clear that Dorian was heading to the meeting with or without a witch, Cole insisted on accompanying him, leaving his wolves to deal with the two grays they’d trapped in the woods. Dorian was more than glad for the company, but he wouldn’t let the man put himself directly in harm’s way.

If things went south with Chernikov, he didn’t want the wolf anywhere near it.

“The terms of the Accords forbid me from bringing backup without advanced warning,” he explained.

“Thought they prohibited meeting without a witch, too, but here you are, charging in like the bloodsuckin’ Lone Ranger.”

“Such is the burden of a vampire king.” With a wry grin, Dorian tossed his phone to Cole. “If I don’t return, someone will need to phone Aiden and my brothers with the news of my untimely demise and make arrangements for my priceless collection of scotch.”

“Well, s**t, brother. If I’d known you were putting me in the will, I would’ve come outta hiding months ago.” Cole lit his cigarette and sucked in a deep drag, then exhaled a plume of smoke in Dorian’s direction. “But seriously, asshole. We just got the band back together. Try not to get yourself killed.”